Inside Higher Ed
Executive Director of University Events
Inside Higher Ed, Newport News, Virginia, United States, 23600
Overview
Executive Director of University Events at Inside Higher Ed. This is a sensitive position? No. The role provides strategic leadership and oversight for planning, coordination, and execution of high-profile university events hosted on and off campus by the Office of the President, University Advancement and donor engagement functions, Office of Admission, Athletics, and signature campus-wide ceremonies such as Convocation, Graduations, Winter and Spring Commencements, and other milestone events and celebrations.
Key Responsibilities
Provide strategic leadership for planning and execution of high-profile university events, including presidential functions, donor engagements, campus events, admissions, athletics, arts events, and signature ceremonies such as Commencement and Convocation.
Coordinate with senior leadership and campus partners to ensure events align with the university’s mission, values, and strategic objectives.
Develop and implement long-term strategies for event programming that enhance institutional reputation and stakeholder engagement.
Plan, coordinate, and oversee events hosted at the President’s residence, from small lunches to large receptions, serving as the primary logistical point of contact for residence-based events.
Collaborate with the Office of the President, Chief of Staff, and First Lady as appropriate in event planning and execution.
Ensure events reflect appropriate tone, protocol, and hospitality standards; maintain relationships with campus partners and external vendors.
Foster cross-campus collaboration with departments to support event goals and ensure consistency and excellence across university events.
Identify opportunities for strategic engagement with departments such as University Advancement and Alumni Engagement in events they do not directly sponsor.
Oversee operational planning, execution, and assessment including venue selection, vendor negotiations, catering, A/V, and on-site management; develop timelines and standard operating procedures; implement risk management strategies.
Monitor and analyze feedback to improve future events; stay informed on industry trends and best practices.
Budget and resource management, including developing, managing, and reconciling complex event budgets and negotiating contracts in line with purchasing guidelines.
Coordinate with Communications/Public Relations to develop promotional strategies and ensure consistent branding and messaging across communications.
Support event logistics for Board of Visitors meetings and functions; manage invitations and coordination with relevant offices; plan annual BoV retreats; ensure alignment with presidential priorities and institutional standards.
Staff development and supervision for the Office of University Events; provide professional development, set expectations, and oversee protocol matters.
Ensure safety: follow workplace safety regulations, report unsafe conditions, incidents, and participate in investigations; train staff accordingly.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSA)
Extensive knowledge of event planning and the ability to lead large-scale, high-profile events with attention to detail and professionalism.
Initiative, adaptability, resilience under pressure, and the ability to meet deadlines.
Exceptional organizational and project management skills; strong communication and interpersonal abilities.
Proficiency in logistical planning: venue coordination, vendor management, catering, A/V, décor, signage, and security planning.
Understanding of institutional protocol and ceremonial standards for formal academic and presidential events.
Ability to supervise and develop staff; foster a collaborative, high-performance culture.
Ability to remain composed under pressure and troubleshoot in real-time; ensure a seamless guest experience.
Commitment to inclusivity and belonging; events should be welcoming and accessible to all stakeholders.
Ability to travel and work evenings, weekends, and extended hours as needed.
Required Education Must have a Master’s Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree with work experience at a level that equates to an advanced degree.
Experience Required
Experience working with senior leadership and high-level stakeholders (presidents, trustees, donors, dignitaries) with sound judgment and discretion.
Experience with budget management, including developing, managing, and reconciling complex event budgets.
Experience coordinating events in private or residential settings with professionalism and discretion.
Experience with event management software and collaboration tools (e.g., Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, Zoom) and standard office suites.
Experience with CRM systems (e.g., Slate or similar donor/alumni databases) for managing guest lists, invitations, and RSVPs.
Additional Consideration - Experience Experience working in a college or university setting.
Salary Information Commensurate with education and experience.
About Christopher Newport University (CNU) Christopher Newport University (CNU) is an EO employer committed to access and opportunity. We offer an inclusive community with a strong emphasis on honor, scholarship, service, and leadership. For more details, visit cnu.edu.
Other Details
Is telework eligible? No
Posting Number: AP409P
Number of Vacancies: 1
Posting Date: 06/24/2025
Review Begin Date: 07/15/2025
This position will be posted until filled; priority consideration by July 15, 2025. Finalists will undergo a CNU background check. Christopher Newport University will accommodate persons with disabilities in the application/interview process. Contact the CNU Human Resources Office for accommodations.
EEO/Diversity Statement: Christopher Newport University is an EO Employer and is committed to access and opportunity.
Notice of Non-Discrimination & Title IX Policy Statement: See university policies for details.
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Key Responsibilities
Provide strategic leadership for planning and execution of high-profile university events, including presidential functions, donor engagements, campus events, admissions, athletics, arts events, and signature ceremonies such as Commencement and Convocation.
Coordinate with senior leadership and campus partners to ensure events align with the university’s mission, values, and strategic objectives.
Develop and implement long-term strategies for event programming that enhance institutional reputation and stakeholder engagement.
Plan, coordinate, and oversee events hosted at the President’s residence, from small lunches to large receptions, serving as the primary logistical point of contact for residence-based events.
Collaborate with the Office of the President, Chief of Staff, and First Lady as appropriate in event planning and execution.
Ensure events reflect appropriate tone, protocol, and hospitality standards; maintain relationships with campus partners and external vendors.
Foster cross-campus collaboration with departments to support event goals and ensure consistency and excellence across university events.
Identify opportunities for strategic engagement with departments such as University Advancement and Alumni Engagement in events they do not directly sponsor.
Oversee operational planning, execution, and assessment including venue selection, vendor negotiations, catering, A/V, and on-site management; develop timelines and standard operating procedures; implement risk management strategies.
Monitor and analyze feedback to improve future events; stay informed on industry trends and best practices.
Budget and resource management, including developing, managing, and reconciling complex event budgets and negotiating contracts in line with purchasing guidelines.
Coordinate with Communications/Public Relations to develop promotional strategies and ensure consistent branding and messaging across communications.
Support event logistics for Board of Visitors meetings and functions; manage invitations and coordination with relevant offices; plan annual BoV retreats; ensure alignment with presidential priorities and institutional standards.
Staff development and supervision for the Office of University Events; provide professional development, set expectations, and oversee protocol matters.
Ensure safety: follow workplace safety regulations, report unsafe conditions, incidents, and participate in investigations; train staff accordingly.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSA)
Extensive knowledge of event planning and the ability to lead large-scale, high-profile events with attention to detail and professionalism.
Initiative, adaptability, resilience under pressure, and the ability to meet deadlines.
Exceptional organizational and project management skills; strong communication and interpersonal abilities.
Proficiency in logistical planning: venue coordination, vendor management, catering, A/V, décor, signage, and security planning.
Understanding of institutional protocol and ceremonial standards for formal academic and presidential events.
Ability to supervise and develop staff; foster a collaborative, high-performance culture.
Ability to remain composed under pressure and troubleshoot in real-time; ensure a seamless guest experience.
Commitment to inclusivity and belonging; events should be welcoming and accessible to all stakeholders.
Ability to travel and work evenings, weekends, and extended hours as needed.
Required Education Must have a Master’s Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree with work experience at a level that equates to an advanced degree.
Experience Required
Experience working with senior leadership and high-level stakeholders (presidents, trustees, donors, dignitaries) with sound judgment and discretion.
Experience with budget management, including developing, managing, and reconciling complex event budgets.
Experience coordinating events in private or residential settings with professionalism and discretion.
Experience with event management software and collaboration tools (e.g., Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, Zoom) and standard office suites.
Experience with CRM systems (e.g., Slate or similar donor/alumni databases) for managing guest lists, invitations, and RSVPs.
Additional Consideration - Experience Experience working in a college or university setting.
Salary Information Commensurate with education and experience.
About Christopher Newport University (CNU) Christopher Newport University (CNU) is an EO employer committed to access and opportunity. We offer an inclusive community with a strong emphasis on honor, scholarship, service, and leadership. For more details, visit cnu.edu.
Other Details
Is telework eligible? No
Posting Number: AP409P
Number of Vacancies: 1
Posting Date: 06/24/2025
Review Begin Date: 07/15/2025
This position will be posted until filled; priority consideration by July 15, 2025. Finalists will undergo a CNU background check. Christopher Newport University will accommodate persons with disabilities in the application/interview process. Contact the CNU Human Resources Office for accommodations.
EEO/Diversity Statement: Christopher Newport University is an EO Employer and is committed to access and opportunity.
Notice of Non-Discrimination & Title IX Policy Statement: See university policies for details.
#J-18808-Ljbffr